Issue #85

How to Beat Procrastination

Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy. — Wayne Gretzky
White desk with an open, empty notebook, pen, smartphone, and laptop.

Procrastination seems to be one of the basic, unavoidable human experiences; it’s an exit that helps us avoid difficult work and failure.

When we postpone hard tasks we instantly feel better — short term gains, small bursts of dopamine can easily outweigh the benefits of the long-term investment and we end up in the endless cycle of procrastination.

Everyone seems to be struggling with it, even the most productive people.

To cope with it, create a system that makes it harder for you to procrastinate. Go offline, structure your day strictly, organize your workspace, make a public commitment, but above all, be mindful of your emotions when you start procrastinating, and you might be able to pull yourself out of a cycle.

Try out different strategies and find the one that works for you.

Why You Procrastinate (It Has Nothing to Do With Self-Control)

Procrastination isn’t a unique character flaw or a mysterious curse on your ability to manage time, but a way of coping with challenging emotions and negative moods induced by certain tasks — boredom, anxiety, insecurity, frustration, resentment, self-doubt and beyond.

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The Ten Minute Rule of Productivity

The ten-minute rule of productivity is about talking yourself into getting started. Commit to 10 minutes. Don’t focus on the outcome, focus on the output.

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How to Beat Procrastination (Backed by Science)

Instead of diving into work, take a step back, think about why you do what you do, and then rely on a system that supports that.

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Procrastination: A Scientific Guide on How to Stop Procrastinating

James Clear explains what procrastination is, why we procrastinate and shares some tips that will help you stop procrastinating.

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Until Next Week

Practice focus, and like a muscle, it’ll grow stronger and you’ll be able to work distraction-free longer.

Zoran Jambor
Inspiration Bits